STAMFORD, CT - Stamford Mayor David Martin, along with Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski and 911 Director Joseph Gaudett, recognized the work of several public safety telecommunicators in Stamford as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Erin Walsh and members of the 911 Call Center “A” Squad” were recognized for their outstanding work performed on November 15th of last year. Walsh received Telecommunicator of the Year, and the “A” Squad members received the Unit Citation Award. Additionally, Heather Fallon received the Distinguished Service Award

“When you work in emergency services, you deserve to be recognized for when things go right,” said Mayor David Martin. “Unfortunately, it’s more likely you’ll get your name in the paper when things go wrong, but these individual performed admirably under pressure and brought order to a chaotic day. You have performed in service to this City, and your work benefits us all, even though many residents may not be aware of your position or what it entails.”

“All of our public safety dispatchers deserve recognition for what they do, not only in times of major emergencies, but what they do every day when they report for duty,” said Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski.

Stamford’s 911 call center received over 750 calls during the storm on November 15th. Calls ranged from reporting vehicle accidents and injuries to downed electrical wires and other hazards. Walsh and other members of the 911 call center team responded professionally to calls throughout the day.

“In Stamford, the 911 center serves as the primary point for dispatching police, fire and EMS,” said 911 Director Joseph Gaudett. “Telecommunicators provide critical assistance during a person’s worst moments, providing the calm reassurance they need to handle any situation. They serve as a lifeline for the public as well as law enforcement and other emergency service professionals who rely on them for critical communications.”

In 1991, the United States Congress designated the second week of April as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Stamford recognizes key individuals in the department for their exemplary work as part of this national week. In 2018, Stamford’s Emergency Communications Center received more than 58,000 911 emergency calls, and approximately 100,000 nonemergency calls, an average of 433 calls a day.